Near-Peer Competition is Back:
Are We Ready Now and Into the FutureFebruary 6 - 8, 2018 San Diego Convention Center#WEST2018

WEST Frequently Asked Questions

The premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, WEST is now in its 28th year of bringing military and industry leaders together. Co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, WEST is the only event in which the makers of platforms and the designers of technologies can network, discuss and demonstrate their solutions in a single locale.

One recurring highlight of WEST is a town hall discussion among the Chief of Naval Operations, the Marine Corps Commandant and Coast Guard Commandant. In addition to the main program, WEST offers two Engagement Theaters; smaller, more intimate venues in which military, government and industry professionals will drill deeper into specific topics and issues. More information about WEST speakers and panel presentations is available online.

About WEST Conference

Who attends WEST?

WEST connects the industry professionals who design and build the platforms, equipment and weapons with the designers of communications and technical systems. To complete their missions successfully, more than 150,000 professionals in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who live in the San Diego area depend on the open discussions and valuable networking WEST provides. Senior military and government officials talk directly to the operators to gain valuable feedback directly from them. Industry leaders attend because they can connect with decision makers and operators over the three-day event.

Can I earn reserve credits for attending WEST?

Members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserve have been authorized to earn one point retirement credit for attendance. Reserve and National Guard (Army and Air Force) personnel may participate on a non-pay credit basis with approval of their unit commanders. Bring unit forms to the conference operations office located in the Knowledge Center on the exhibit floor for validation.

What additional professional development opportunities are available?

Know Before You Go

Where do I pick up my badge?

All badges must be picked up on site at the registration desk. Registration can be found in the lobby, outside of Hall D, adjacent to the Keynote Theater. All registrants will receive a confirmation notice via email. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact the WEST Registration Center at (703) 449-6418 or westregistration@spargoinc.com.

Photography/Videography/Audio Recording Policy

Attendees are not permitted to photograph, record, or videotape any portion of the WEST conference proceedings. Working members of the press are required to preregister and check in at the press desk at registration to photograph and/or videotape at the show.

Exhibit personnel may photograph and/or videotape only their personnel and equipment within the confines of their booth.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in confiscation of devices or material and administrative action under applicable government guidelines.

Attendees understand that AFCEA, the U.S. Naval Institute, and their authorized representatives (show management) may conduct interviews and may take photographs and/or videotape in any part of the WEST conference and exhibit hall. These photographs, videos, and recordings are for use by show management in publications or other media material produced for the purposes of conference promotion, including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television and websites. Attendee and exhibitor registration grants show management permission and consent for use of this photography and video.

Exhibitor Resources

Are you already exhibiting at WEST? Please visit the Exhibitor FAQ and resources page for further details about the exposition and important information on how to get the most out of your participation.

Prepare to be Aware

Conferences present opportunities for America's adversaries to target U.S. government employees, academia, defense industry and other personnel to collect our critical information. Be a hard target! Use good OPSEC practices to protect yourself and your organization's mission.

Recommendations:

Be aware of your surroundings when discussing sensitive unclassified critical information during the conference and after hours, in common/public areas (e.g. social gatherings, networking mixers, etc.).

Be suspicious of strangers. Even though they sound like they belong at the conference, don't assume they are there for the same purpose as you.

Use caution when sharing information with someone you don't know. Ask others to confirm a person's identity before sharing critical information about your organization's past, ongoing or future operations/activities/events. Protect your personal information, such as your room number and daily schedule. Don't give out your business cards freely, particularly when outside the United States. Remember, phishing is still the #1 adversary threat vector into your personal and government computers/devices/networks.

If you use a laptop or other portable electronic device (personal or government-owned), use it cautiously. Disable the Bluetooth and WLAN/Wi-Fi connections when not in use, and if you use this type of connectivity, understand that you may expose personal and work-related critical information to an adversary. Be especially cautious when using unencrypted/unsecure WLAN/Wi-Fi hotspots.